How to Repair an Asphalt Roof

Despite their durability, asphalt roofs are not immune to cracking, cupping, or wind damage. Each of these problems can cause water damage over time. If there are widespread problems to the roof, it may be necessary to completely replace the shingles. However, a few isolated areas of damage can easily be repaired without an overall asphalt roof replacement. No matter what type of damage is present, the same procedure is used to remove broken shingles and replace them.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pry bar
• Tin snips
• Asphalt shingles
• Roofing cement
• Roofing nails
• Hammer

1. Locate any shingles that should be replaced. A leak is a good indicator of a problem, but warped or cracked shingles should also be replaced as soon as they are noticed.

2. Remove any nails that are holding down the damaged section of asphalt roofing using a pry bar. Look underneath the shingles that are two rows above the damaged shingles for the nails that are securing the section you wish to remove. You also must remove any nails from the section directly above the row that pierce the shingles you are replacing.

3. Pull down to remove the damaged shingles. If the section is difficult to remove, examine the perimeter for nails you might have missed. Also keep in mind that most asphalt shingles are manufactured in sections of three. This means that each repair will require that a minimum of three shingles are removed.

4. If the damage is very slight, you may only want to remove a single asphalt shingle. In this case, remove only the nails holding down the shingle you wish to remove. Then cut away the damaged shingle with tin snips.

5. Apply a small amount of roofing cement on the underside of the unfinished edge of the new shingles and slide them into place. Make sure that the new shingles are even with the existing row.

6. If you are replacing a single asphalt shingle, use tin snips to cut an individual shingle from a section of replacement shingles. Then you can use the same process to slide the shingle into place.

7. Secure each shingle using roofing nails. Try to place the nails in the same general location as the nails that were securing the old shingles. Your pry bar can be used to hold up sections of asphalt shingles while you hammer the nails into place.

8. Place a dot of roofing cement over each nail head and any holes left by the old nails. Also, add a little roofing cement to any gaps between the new and old shingles that might leak. Do not add roofing cement to areas that are not covered from view by the asphalt shingles.

9. Press the shingles down with your hand. The roofing cement will bond to the underside of the shingles, making wind damage less likely in the future.

Tips & Warnings

• When purchasing replacement shingles, choose shingles that have the same thickness and lifespan as the existing roof, not just the same color and texture. If you are removing large areas of shingles, always start working from the top row. When replacing shingles, reverse directions and start with the bottom row.
• Never attempt to work on your roof if it is damp, you could slip and become seriously injured. Asphalt shingles become stiff with cold, so do not attempt to work on your roof if it is less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If the night before was cool, wait until the afternoon before beginning so the roof and shingles are warm enough to prevent accidental cracking.

References

• Replacing Individual Asphalt Shingles
• Replacing Asphalt Shingles